High Adsorption Capacity of an sp2/sp3-N-Rich Polymeric Network: From Molecular Iodine Capture to Catalysis
Diksha Gambhir, Mangili Venkateswarulu, Tushar Verma, Rik Rani Koner
Abstract
Removal of volatile radioiodine from air and wastewater streams using porous materials is imperative to curb its long-term adverse effects on the environment. Herein, we report the development of a hydrogel system (PEIG) using polyethylenimine and glutaraldehyde followed by production of xerogel (PEIXG). PEIXG effectively captured iodine in its vapor form with an excellent adsorption capacity of 2.9 g/g. Additionally, PEIXG efficaciously removed dissolved iodine from water and nonpolar solvent. Moreover, the reversible nature of the uptake enabled good recyclability and utilization of I2–PEIXG as a catalyst for the synthesis of an important class of functional heterocycle, 2-aminobenzothiazoles.